SHE knows she has a lot to be grateful for. A loving husband, four gorgeous kids, a stunning house on a canal in a beautiful seaside town.
But Christina Storm has been to hell and back. She’s been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and spent time in rehab after downing a bottle of wine while driving and crashing her car.
She also caused concern by posting disturbing messages on social media in which she said she wanted to die.
But today is a good day, the 46-year-old former model says. “I’ve put on makeup,” she tells us via video call from her home in St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape where she lives with her husband, businessman Paul Nel (49), and their kids, Evie (5) and Vincent (3).
Sixteen-year-old Erin, Paul’s daughter from a previous marriage, lives there too and is helping Christina figure out the intricacies of Zoom.
Christina is looking good. She’s dyed her bangs platinum “to cover up the age a bit” and has tied the rest of her locks in a polka-dot scarf. She’s wearing a nose ring she bought for R5 to celebrate her successful stint in rehab, she informs us.
“Look how beautiful it is here,” she says, gesturing to her view over the tranquil water. Christina runs a guesthouse and on the surface life looks good.
“It really is paradise to wake up in,” she agrees. “That’s why some people can’t understand that I’m depressed.”
Her life fell apart after former Springbok rugby player James Small, her ex and father of her eldest child, Ruby (15), died in July 2019 aged 50 (YOU, 1 August 2019).
This story is from the 4 February 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 4 February 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines
